Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers have confiscated powder cocaine with a street value of $77,500 and placed a Columbus woman under arrest.

Yolanda N. Johnson, 30, of Brentnell Avenue, Columbus was arrested and charged with trafficking in drugs, a felony of the first degree and possession of drugs, also a first degree felony.

Lt. Mike Crispen said troopers from the Portsmouth post were in the process of making a traffic stop south of Lucasville, shortly after 6 p.m. Thursday when the discovery was made.

Crispen said Sgt. J.R. Silvey and Tpr. N.L. Lewis stopped a 1997 Chevrolet Blazer on U.S. 23, at mile post 7 for a traffic violation.

During a search of the vehicle, troopers examined Johnson's purse where they located 775 grams of powder cocaine with an estimated street value of $77,500.

A passenger in Johnson's car, Sophia Carlisle, 27, of Columbus, was also arrested on a warrant for probation violation out of Franklin County.

Crispen said Carlisle would probably not face drug charges.

"I don't believe so," Crispen said. "Obviously the (Scioto County) Prosecutor would have to make a determination on that, but I would say, probably not. Johnson was the owner of the vehicle, and she had possession of it (the cocaine)."

FRANK LEWIS can be reached at (740) 353-3101, ext. 232.